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In this week’s episode of The Classical Guitar Corner Podcast, Simon discusses three techniques on classical guitar that are constantly evolving and so will take time to develop: tone, musical line, and speed. Leave us a comment below and let us know how you are working to continue to develop these techniques.
This was a timely podcast for me. I am one of those that can play higher level pieces – seems to be level 3 or higher. For my first year and a half in the academy, I bounced around the levels and could not focus. Finally, when I heard the Jan podcast, I decided to start at Level One, and submitted my preliminary work. But then I started to bounce around again. A few weeks ago I had a lightbulb moment and decided to give myself the space to dig deeply. I have found that by sitting in Level One and working to create beauty in each technique exercise and each repertoire piece, I have gifted myself with creating a wonderful experience of learning. Rather than power through the repertoire, I have instead worked to find the fine nuances of musicality. I also have gone back over the level one video lessons several times. This enabled me to gain deeper understanding. I find I have also gained a higher level of focus in my practice, where at times it becomes a form of meditation ( as the rest of the world is blocked out). I’m enjoying this learning experience and the wonderfully supportive community at Classical Guitar Corner Academy. I’m very grateful to your providing such a high quality online learning experience.
That’s great to hear, Donna! Even as we keep moving forward to higher levels of playing, the fundamentals remain with us and we will always find need to return to them, so I really commend you on sticking with level 1 to see just how much you can get out of it. Thanks for the thoughtful comment!
Peace,
Dave B (CGC team)
Wonderful podcast, and especially good for those of us who feel we will never achieve that “lightening speed” as is possible not only on some other instruments – but also by some guitar players. There is so much other music which brings out the inherent beauty of classical guitar with its warm and intimate sound, its wide color palette.
Thanks for your comment, Linda! Glad you enjoyed the podcast. And you’re absolutely right: developing the techniques needed to play with speed is necessary for much repertoire but making beautiful music requires and involves so much more!
Peace,
Dave B (CGC team)
I appreciate the perspective described in this post: that some skills can only be developed over time. I remember someone asking the multi-billionaire Warren Buffet how to get rich quick and he replied that he didn’t know how to do that. Hmmm…
I’m a less experienced player, but Donna’s comment rang true for me. For me, every lesson’s technique or piece of repertoire is quite a challenge, and I review the video several times as I practice to make sure that I have met all the requirements before moving on. I can only go so fast. Although I practice daily, it took almost a year to reach the Level 1 Preliminary submission. It may take another year to finish the Level 1 Certificate. So, Donna’s focus on “a wonderful experience of learning” speaks to me.
Best,
-Jeff
Thanks for the comment, Jeff! Glad the podcast resonated with you.
Peace,
Dave B (CGC team)
Well, I’ve finally made it! One month after discovering CGC I have listened to every second of every podcast. My teacher told me to get more immersed in the classical guitar and a large part of this has been thanks to Dr Powis and team. A great number of the podcasts have sent me down a rabbit hole of new music, new ideas, and ultimately new thinking in relation to this beautiful instrument and musicianship as a whole.
Thank you so much for everything that you do. I look forward to hearing more and eventually becoming a full member of the site
That’s a lot of podcasts, Ben! Thanks for listening, and thanks for the nice comment.
Peace,
Dave B (CGC team)
Wow! Thanks so much for making the time and I am glad it was helpful!
-Simon
Thank you for making such great content! As an aspiring teacher and former advanced player (coming back from a break and having my technique completely fixed has brought me back to intermediate level) the stuff you put out has helped me find a passion for the instrument I never previously had. If I can inspire half as many people as you I’ll be more than happy!
Just keep plucking
Ben
Simon mentioned the trials of searching for the right footstool or support… here’s some fun with that topic from David Russell…
https://www.facebook.com/davidrussellguitar/videos/10155913200037908/
Enjoy
Nels
Hi Nels,
Ha! Yes, I saw this when he first posted it…hilarious!
peace,
Dave B (CGC team)
Thank you! I needed to hear that these things take time. I am enjoying the self paced nature of CGC yet find my musicality lacking. Knowing that it isn’t just me and everyone develops these skills is reassuring. I have noticed that posture matters and also that my focus improves if I try a little softer. Focus is a skill in itself that seems to bring all these elements together.
Thanks for the comment, Cindy! Focus is definitely important, yes. Glad you’ve found some ways to both improve your focus and keep moving forward. Keep it up!
Peace,
Dave B (CGC team)